It was announced in Rome today that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Christian Riesbeck, CC as Titular Bishop of Tipasa in Numidia and Auxiliary Bishop of Ottawa.
Bishop-elect Riesbeck was born in Montreal on February 7, 1970 to Heribert Riesbeck, a native of Germany and Colette Levesque, originally from Grand Falls, New Brunswick. His elementary schooling took place in Aylmer, Quebec and in Nepean, Ontario and his secondary schooling at St. Pius X High School in Nepean. He earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in political science from the University of Ottawa, a Master of Divinity degree from St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto and a Master’s degree and Licentiate in Canon Law from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa.

Ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Marcel Gervais at Notre Dame Cathedral on October 12, 1996, he served for brief periods between 1996 and 1999 at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Kingston, St. Jude’s in Hawkesbury, Our Lady of Divine Love in Pendleton and St. Francis Xavier in Brockville before becoming pastor of Queen of Peace parish in Houston, Texas (1999-2008).

24 comments:

Congratulations on Pope Francis' nomination as Auxiliary Bishop of Ottawa. I join with Archbishop Prendergast, the presbyterium of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, family and friends to wish you many blessings in your generous service to the Church. You can count on my prayers and support in your ministry. fr jose bettencourt

My congratulations to Bishop elect Riesbeck, Archbishop Prendergast and the archdiocese of Ottawa on the appointment of a very fine and most capable priest. My prayers are with you as you begin this new chapter in your life. Fr. John Fletcher, CC

Congratulations to Bishop-elect Riesbeck, and to the Archdiocese of Ottawa. What exciting news! Also, congratulations to the Companions of the Cross; from new order to producing a bishop in less than forty years!

Congratulations Fr. Riesbeck. I heartily agree with Fr. Denis Lemieux and wish to add - What a great gift for the Pro-Life Movement in Ottawa! May God bless you abundantly and Our Lady keep you ever close to her Immaculate Heart. Fr. Bob is probably enjoying the Party that Heaven is 'throwing' for you today.

This is great news! Fr. Christian, be assured of my prayers and full support. God bless and protect you! Thank you for saying yes! Congratulations Archbishop Prendergast; you must be very happy, and we're all happy with you! Fr Anthony.

I am absolutely filled with joy at this Announcement. May the Lord bless and strengthen you in your upcoming ministry Fr. Christian and May the Lord ease the load on your full shoulders Arch-Bishop Terry.

Justin Trudeau, like his father before him, understands that religious freedom merely means that you get to decide how you live YOUR life, in your own home and in your own churches, but that you do not get to decide how the rest of the world should live theirs. It really IS that easy.

You comments and threats against Justin Trudeau's defense of democracy was scandalous.